Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for improved military-civilian relations to curb the menace of consistent brutality and mutual distrust being experienced between the uniformed men and society at large.

Oyebanji condemned the attack that led to three persons being severely injured during a fracas that broke out between some military personnel and traders at the Fayose Market located at Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti, the state capital, last Tuesday.

The governor stated these in Ado Ekiti yesterday during a visit to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital(EKSUTH), where three victims, who got injured during a brawl between some military men and traders at the Fayose Market, are receiving medical treatment.

During the uprising, which was said to have caused serious social disorder, three victims sustained severe gunshots and serious bodily injuries before they were taken to EKSUTH for intensive medical care.

Speaking during the visit, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, frowned at the attack, promising that the culprits would be brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.

The governor insisted that the matter leading to the exchange of fisticuffs between the military and the civilians could have been avoided if the country had developed a remarkable instinct for military-civilian relations.

Oyebanji appealed to the military to always tolerate the excesses of the civilians and learn how to handle their cases professionally to avert recurrent issues of disorders and brutality that could endanger social harmony.

The governor sympathised with the victims and wished them m quick recuperation, with a promise to foot their medical bills to assuage their feelings at this critical time.

“Immediately the matter was brought to us, Governor Oyebanji dispatched a team to go and check the situation. Those who were taken to the hospital were also checked to know how they were faring. We thank God no life was lost.

“But let me say that Governor Oyebanji was highly displeased with this kind of attack. The soldiers and traders at Fayose Market should have tolerated themselves, and if they had seen anyone going against the law, then the police should have been involved instead of taking the law into their own hands. That was unacceptable to us.

The matter that broke out between the military and civilians, and the number of victims, was regrettable. This can’t be tolerated in any sane society. Ekiti State, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, won’t allow any form of oppression of our people or disrespect for our uniformed men. There must be a balance.

“To maintain a society that will be orderly, we owe it a responsibility for all of us to respect one another and learn how to control our emotions, even when we get angry at the activities of any individual or group.

“We are assuring you that this matter will be investigated thoroughly and whoever is found guilty will surely face the full weight of the law,” he stated.

The Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Prof Kayode Olabanji, disclosed that the three patients brought to the facility are gradually stabilising, after the bullets that pierced their bodies were removed and wounds treated shortly after they were brought in.

“Though one of them had a severe case when they were brought in. But we quickly swung into action by removing the bullets, suturing the wounded areas, and repairing the damaged parts.

“As you can see, they are in stable conditions, and there is no fear that any of them will die,” the CMD stated.

Condemning the attack on his people, the Chairman, Fayose Market, Mr. Adeleye Adekunle, revealed that the crisis, which started as a misunderstanding between a military man and a trader, could have been resolved amicably, but for the alleged uncontrollable anger of the soldier.

Adeleye saluted Governor Oyebanji for quickly intervening in the matter, saying the issue will be resolved through a tripartite roundtable discussion among the government, the military, and the traders.

“I want to appreciate the government for its quick involvement in this matter; if not, the situation could have gotten worse.

“I appeal to my people to calm down and allow the government to fully handle the matter. We have that confidence that the government will do the right thing in the matter, so nobody should take the laws into their own hands,” he stated.

On the government’s entourage included the Special Adviser on Internal Security to the Governor, Brig Gen Ebenezer Ogundana; Special Adviser on Information, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun; Director-General, Bureau of Community Communication, Mrs. Mary Oso-Omotoso, security personnel, among others.

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